Holding Space for the Heartbreak: Navigating Pregnancy Loss & Infertility

💬 Episode Summary:

Pregnancy loss and infertility are heartbreaking—and often invisible—realities that deeply affect couples on every level. In this tender and honest conversation, Dr. Rachel Orleck sits down with reproductive psychologist Dr. Julie Bindeman to explore how these experiences impact relationships, communication, grief, and connection.

Whether you’ve experienced loss yourself, are walking through infertility, or love someone who is, this episode offers validation, insight, and practical ways to feel less alone.

🧠 What We Cover:

1. Why infertility is often the first “shared crisis” for many couples
2. How miscarriage and stillbirth affect partners differently
3. The difference between instrumental (doers) and intuitive (feelers) grief—and why that matters in relationships
4. Unique considerations for queer couples navigating fertility and loss
5. How secondary infertility can bring a different kind of pain (and invalidation)
6. The emotional toll of fertility treatments on sex, intimacy, and identity
7. How to support your partner—and how to find support outside your relationship
8. What to actually say and do when someone you love experiences a pregnancy loss
9. How to stay connected even when grief threatens to pull you apart

💡 Therapist’s Note:

If you’re feeling alone in your grief, anxious about trying again, or unsure how to support your partner, this episode is for you. Grief is not linear, and healing is not something you have to do alone.

About Dr. Julie Bindeman:

Dr. Julie Bindeman's specialty is in the field of Reproductive Psychology, where she actively writes, lectures, and presents. She is an approved consultant in EMDR through EMDRIA as well as a facilitator for basic training with The Touchstone Institute. She participates and has served on committees in multiple organizations including ASRM and the Maryland Psychological Association, and has received awards for her work in the field of reproductive mental health. Dr. Bindeman has published several chapters and articles pertaining to Reproductive Psychology and is the editor of a book about Abortion for Mental Health professionals that was released September, 2024.

1. Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington
2. www.greaterwashingtontherapy.com

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Resources

• Free Course | Break the Cycle: A 7 day email course to go beneath the arguments and into the pattern driving them...and what it actually will take to change your part of that cycle.
• Private Coaching (Limited Availability): High-touch, individualized support for deep relational pattern change.
• Meaningful Journey Counseling (WA residents only): Licensed therapy services for individuals and couples in Washington State.

And if you’re tired of replaying conversations at 2am…

My private audio series When Love Feels Like Too Much is the guided version of this work. Five short episodes. Companion Workbook. Nervous system resets you can actually use in the moment.

This is where we move from understanding the cycle to interrupting it.

[Start here]

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health treatment, therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you are experiencing significant distress, please seek support from a licensed mental health professional or medical provider.

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